Childcare Workers vs. Recreation Workers: Who Earns More?
Recreation Workerss out-earn Childcare Workerss by $2K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Childcare Workerss land at $34,980 and Recreation Workerss at $36,560. The education gap is real: childcare worker programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while recreation worker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Childcare Workerss is District of Columbia ($47,340); for Recreation Workerss it's District of Columbia ($46,460).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Childcare Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Childcare Workerss or Recreation Workerss?
Recreation Workerss earn more nationally. The median is $34,980 for Childcare Workerss versus $36,560 for Recreation Workerss, a difference of $2K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Childcare Workers or Recreation Workers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Childcare Workers or Recreation Workers?
Childcare Workers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Recreation Workers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Childcare Workerss get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Childcare Workerss at $47,340/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Childcare Workers vs. Recreation Workers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Childcare Workerss earn $47,340 vs. $46,460 for Recreation Workerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.